450 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
whole force to furnish him with a stronger detachment commensurate with 
the wants of the situation. 
The originally established escort remains with the battery in all cases. 
When the batteries serving with the reserve are employed together, a 
common escort will be given them, generally of light cavalry, its strength 
being according to the circumstances. 
Upon the escort devolves in camp and cantonments, the guard of the guns, 
the rendering assistance in case of obstacles on the march; finally, the 
filling the easier duties at the gun when casualties occur during an engage¬ 
ment. 
The commander of the escort is in every case to be subordinate to the 
commandant of the battery. 
When before the enemy the permanent escort should always remain 
united with the battery. Casualties in its prescribed strength should be at 
once made good, and it should not be relieved except in case of necessity. 
On the March . 
In case that a battery is required to march any considerable distance in 
the enemy's neighbourhood with only its permanent or even with a rein¬ 
forced escort, its march is to be protected by an advanced, flanking, and 
rear guard. 
The main body of the escort should move at a convenient distance from 
the battery, in its front, or on the flank on the side threatened. 
On a march where no danger is to be apprehended, half the escort should 
in an advance, march in front, and half in rear of the last gun of the 
battery. 
On a retreat, a part of the escort marches in front of the first gun and 
behind the last of the ammunition wagons, the other larger section with the 
commander of the escort marches behind the last gun. 
Should the battery meet with broken intersected ground, a proportion of 
the main body should be extended in a chain of skirmishers to search it. 
In passing defiles, their issue should be previously occupied, and the 
ground beyond searched ; similarly, heights in front or on the flanks are to be 
reconnoitred and made safe. 
In an encounter with the enemy on the march, the fire of the skirmishers 
should be employed, or an assault with the bayonet, or a determined attack 
be made, in order to give the battery opportunity either to take position for 
action or to retire. 
In Action . 
In a direct advance in action the commander of the escort is in front, in 
retiring, and also on the retreat in presence of the enemy, he should be with 
the part of his detachment which follows the battery. 
During the movements of an engagement the escort should remain on the 
threatened flank; in advance, on the flank and front; in retreat, in flank and 
rear of the battery. When stationary, in action, the escort should place 
itself on the flank and in rear of the battery on its more exposed flank, and 
covered as much as possible. 
